ISO 5801-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 5801:2017 — Fans — Performance testing using standardized airways. This International Standard specifies procedures, test configurations and measurement methods for determining the aerodynamic performance of fans (excluding fans designed solely for air circulation and jet fans) using standardized airways to ensure comparable, repeatable results across test laboratories.

Abstract

ISO 5801:2017 defines standardized test arrangements (airways), measurement and reporting requirements, uncertainty estimation and rules for converting results for changes in speed, gas handled and model size. The document is intended to produce comparable fan performance data for design, selection, comparison and verification purposes in industry and research.

General information

• Status: Published (third edition, confirmed current in 2023; amended by ISO 5801:2017/Amd 1:2025).
• Publication date: 2017-09 (Edition 3; amendment published 2025-01).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 23.120 — Ventilators. Fans. Air-conditioners.
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2017); with Amendment 1 (2025).
• Number of pages: 136 (main standard); amendment document is shorter (amendment published as a separate 9‑page item in 2025).

Scope

Specifies procedures for determining the performance of fans of all types except those designed solely for air circulation (e.g., ceiling and table fans). Jet fans are excluded (covered by ISO 13350). The standard covers test configurations (categories A–D), inlet/outlet simulations, test-space and airway requirements, measurement and data-reporting formats, estimation of measurement uncertainty and rules for converting results for speed, fluid/gas differences and model scaling within specified limits.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized test airway configurations (inlet/outlet common segments and duct simulations) to reproduce ducted conditions.
• Detailed measurement procedures: pressure, flow, rotational speed, torque/power and environmental conditions.
• Specification of test categories (A–D) and handling of fans with significant swirl or special inlets/outlets.
• Uncertainty estimation methods for measured parameters and guidance on repeatability and reproducibility.
• Rules for converting measured results for changes in speed, gas handled and geometric scale (model tests) within defined limits.
• Requirements for test reports: measured data, corrections, test configuration, leakage, instrumentation and ambient conditions.

Typical use and users

Used by fan manufacturers, independent test laboratories, HVAC system designers, certification bodies and researchers to measure, compare and certify fan performance (flow, pressure, efficiency and power) under standardized, reproducible conditions. Also used when preparing product data sheets, for compliance testing and for validating aerodynamic models.

Related standards

Closely related standards include ISO 13350 (jet fan testing), ISO 12759 (fan efficiency classification), ISO 13349 (fan sound power/measurement methods), ISO 5802 (in‑situ fan performance testing) and related national/adopted versions such as EN ISO 5801:2017 and later consolidated editions with amendments. These documents are commonly used together to cover performance, noise and efficiency aspects of fans.

Keywords

fans, ventilators, performance testing, standardized airways, airflow, pressure, efficiency, test methods, uncertainty, fan characteristic curve, HVAC testing

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 5801:2017 is an international standard that specifies laboratory methods and standardized test airways for measuring aerodynamic performance of most types of fans so results are comparable between tests and laboratories.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test configurations (inlet/outlet airway simulations), measurement procedures (flow, pressure, speed, power/torque), uncertainty estimation, data correction and rules for converting results for speed, gas and model scaling; jet fans and simple domestic circulation fans are excluded.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fan manufacturers, independent test laboratories, HVAC designers, certification and conformity assessment bodies, and researchers who need standardized, reproducible fan performance data.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The third edition (2017) is the current edition (confirmed in ISO's 2023 review) and it has been issued with an amendment (ISO 5801:2017/Amd 1:2025). A revision project (ISO/AWI 5801) has been started to produce a future edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within ISO/TC 117 family of fan-related standards and is used alongside related standards covering jet fans, efficiency classification, sound measurement and in‑situ testing (for example ISO 13350, ISO 12759, ISO 13349 and ISO 5802).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Fans, ventilators, performance testing, standardized airways, airflow, pressure, efficiency, uncertainty, test configuration.